Older Women in Prison: Menopause and Osteoporosis Concerns

Hazel is a diminutive 56-year-old state prisoner serving a life sentence for murder. She has been incarcerated for 18 years now and recently fell on the icy path while heading from her housing unit to breakfast early one morning. She sustained Colles fractures of both wrists. While being treated for the fractures she was also diagnosed with advanced osteoporosis.

Not all women in prison are dealing with pregnancy and reproductive health issues. The aging of the inmate population means that an increasing number of female inmates need assistance with menopause symptoms and protection from osteoporosis. Managing these conditions in the criminal justice system may require creativity and a bit of patient advocacy. Here are some key concerns with possible nursing interventions:

Nutrition: Hazel has been eating prison food for more than a decade. Unfortunately, most prisons are challenged to provide a calcium-rich diet. Hazel needs counseling on the best options in both the cafeteria and commissary menus to increase her vitamin D and calcium intake. Supplementation may be necessary.

Exercise:Weight-bearing exercise may not be convenient or even available. Hazel appears to be walking to various inmate activities, and that is a good start. She could benefit from support in developing an exercise program based on the prison gym and yard schedule. An in-cell exercise routine can also be established and encouraged.

Dry, Fragile Skin: Lack of estrogen dries out skin and eyes which can lead to discomfort, breakdown, and infection. Saline eye drops and therapeutic lotions may be needed and possibly provided through the healthcare unit or placed on the commissary list.

Body Temperature Fluctuations: Many prisons are not well ventilated in summer or heated in winter. Menopausal women may need layers of clothing for increased comfort.

Lack of Sleep: Sleep is a difficult commodity in many prisons and menopausal women with insomnia or hot flashes may have even more trouble obtaining rest. Correctional nurses can help patients establish good sleep hygiene habits and possibly provide natural sleeping aids such as melatonin through the commissary.

Do you have menopausal or osteoporotic inmates at your facility? How are you helping them to manage their condition while incarcerated? Share your tips in the comments section of this post.

Find more information about caring for female inmates in these prior posts:

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Comments

An important article. Most of the focus on aging in prison is on male prisoners. However, the women have very critical needs. Not only chronic disease concerns but the ones mentioned in the article. Between skin, bone issues and menopausal effects, they need our support to live comfortably. Thanks for the article. Timely

Very educative .Osteoporosis is becoming a huge concern even among menopausal women in the cities due to reduced physical activities . Thanks for drawing the attention of Nurse practitioners to this global challenge

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